Ignitable fuel package

ABSTRACT

1. AN IGNITABLE FUEL PACKAGE COMPRISING IN COMBINATION FINELY DIVIDED PARTICLES COMPRISING CELLULOSE, FINELY DIVIDED CARBON PARTICLES, AT LEAST 90 WEIGHT PERCENT OF SAID CARBON PARTICLES HAVING A MAJOR PARTICLE DIMENSION BELOW 1/4 INCH. A NORMALLY LIQUID FUEL AND AN IMPERVIOUS COMBUSTIBLE PLASTIC ENVELOPE, SAID PARTICLES COMPRISING CELLULOSE AND SAID CARBON PARTICLES BEING SUBSTANTIALLY SATURATED WITH SAID NORMALLY LIQUID FUEL AND BEING SEALED IN SAID ENVELOPE SAID NORMALLY LIQUID FUEL BEING PRESENT IN AN AMOUNT OF 24 TO 60 WEIGHT PERCENT BASED ON THE CONTENTS OF SAID PACKAGE AND BEING SELECTED FROM NORMALLY LIQUID HYDROCARBONS AND NORMALLY LIQUID OXYGENATED HYDROCARBONS, SAID NORMALLY LIQUID HYDROCARBONS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPRISING PARAFFINS.

United States Patent 3,846,686 Patented Nov. 5, I974 3,846,086IGNKTABLIE FUEL PACKAGE Conrad J. Balch, RR. 2, Box 208, and Armand W.Gen6dreau, 532 Main St., both of Sandpoint, Idaho 838 4 No Drawing.Filed Sept. 10, 1970, Ser. No. 71,266 Int. Cl. Cltll 11/00 U.S. CI. 44406 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DESCLOSURE An ignitable fuel package comprisingin combination finely divided particles comprising cellulose and finelydivided carbon particles, substantially saturated with a normally liquidfuel and sealed in an impervious combustible plastic envelope, andmethod for preparing said fuel package.

This invention relates to fuel compos tions and fuel packages useful forkindling fires, for example barbecue fires. More particularly, theinvention reiates to fuel com positions and fuel packages which servenot as the main fuel for a fire, but as kindling material which burnsfor a sufiicient length of time to cause burning of the main fuel toprogress sufiiciently to 'be self-sustaining.

PRIOR ART Various fuel compositions and fuel packages, useful both asthe main fuel or as kindling fuel, or both, for fires such as barbecuefires, are known. For example, the following prior art US. patentsdisclose the indicated fuel compositions and fuel packages:

2,01l,245-Coal particles, up to /2" size, in paper bag reinforced withheat-resistant mesh, used in large packages as main fuel.

2,206,362-B ag of paper or other combustible material, containingcharcoal lumps and either: (a) shredded paper; or (b) wood chips soakedin pine oil, used as a fire kindler. Alternatively, charcoal impregnatedwith pine oil, with no paper or wood, is used.

2,240,335-Bag of paper or other combustible material containing charcoallumps coated with wax, used as a fire kindler or a main fuel.

2,799,563Bag of paper or cellophane, containing a charcoal-containingbriquette and a cellulose-containing material, for use as a main fuel.

2,963,352Ch-arcoal particles having minor dimensions of at least /2",impregnated with alcohol, located in a sealed metal container, for useas a main fuel.

3,232,72l-Solid-form composition comprising a liquid hydrocarbon and asolid polyolefin, for use as a fire kindler.

3,351,443Charcoal lumps or briquettes, impregnated with liquidhydrocarbon and sealed in plastic container, for use as main fuel.

3,395,002-Charcoal briquettes impregnated with polymer dissolved inalcohol, immersed in water to gel the impregnant, and coated with apolymer film if desired, for use as a main fuel.

Each of the above and other similar prior art fuel compositions and fuelpackages, particularly those intended for use as fire kindlers, has beendeveloped in efforts to provide various and numerous advantages notpossessed by prior compositions and fuel packages. Such advantages thathave been sought include: increased burning duration, cleaner duringhandling, cleaner burning, easier ignition, less deterioration or lossof ingredients during storage, less formulation difficulty, less cost,less odor, less danger of explosion, economy of packaging space, andmore visibility of package contents. Some of the various prior artcompositions have achieved some of the improvements sought, and somehave achieved others. However, there still has existed room forimprovement. In particular, there has been a need for a single fuelpackage that would achieve the result of providing all or most of theadvantages heretofore sought, together with additional advantages. Thefuel package of the pres ent invention achieves that result.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION In accordance with a first embodiment of thepresent invention, there is provided an ignitable fuel packagecomprising in combination finely divided particles comprising cellulose,finely divided carbon particles, a normally liquid fuel and animpervious combustible plastic envelope, said particles comprisingcellulose and said carbon particles being substantially saturated withsaid normally liquid fuel and being sealed in said envelope.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided an ignitable fuel package comprising in combination:

(a) finely divided particles comprising cellulose, in an amount of 25 toweight percent, based on the total contents of said package;

(b) particles substantially comprising carbon, in an amount of l to 15weight percent, based on the total contents of said package;

(c) a normally liquid fuel, in an amount of 24 to 60 weight percent,based on the contents of said package; and

(d) an impervious combustible plastic envelope; said particlescomprising cellulose and said carbon particles being substantiallysaturated with said normally liquid fuel, relatively dry to the touch,relatively free-flowing, intimately mixed, and sealed in said envelope.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided an ignitable fuel package comprising in combination:

(a) particles comprising cellulose,

(i) in an amount of 25 to 75 weight percent, based on the weight of thetotal contents of said package,

(ii) at least weight percent of which have a major particle dimensionbelow A1",

(iii) at least 70 weight percent of which have a major particledimension below Ma",

(b) particles substantially comprising carbon,

(i) in an amount of 1 to 15 weight percent, based on the total contentsof said package,

(ii) at least 90 weight percent of which have a major particle dimensionbelow A",

(iii) at least 70 weight percent of which have a major particledimension below M3,

(c) a normally liquid fuel selected from hydrocarbons and alcohol, in anamount of 24 to 60 weight percent, based on the weight of the totalcontents of said package,

(d) an envelope substantially comprising plastic, said plastic being (i)combustible,

(ii) in the form of a thin film,

(iii) substantially impervious to passage therethrough of said normallyliquid fuel as such or in vapor form,

(iv) heat sealable;

said particles comprising cellulose, said particles comprising carbonand said normally liquid fuel being contained in said envelope, saidenvelope being heat sealed to prevent evaporation of said normallyliquid fuel, said normally liquid fuel being substantially taken up,that is, absorbed and/or adsorbed, by said particles comprisingcellulose and said particles comprising carbon.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, thereis provided a method for preparing an ignitable fuel package, whichcomprises:

(a) substantially saturating particles comprising cellulose with anormally liquid fuel,

(b) mixing said substantially saturated particles with particlessubstantially comprising carbon, and

(c) sealing said particles so mixed in an impervious combustibleenvelope.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Particles Comprising Cellulose The particlescomprising cellulose may be sawdust, chips or other particles derivedfrom natural wood or from synthetic compositions comprising cellulose.Said synthetic compositions comprising cellulose may be pressed wood orwood by-product compositions, including, blocks, boards and paper.However, thin paper particles have borderline acceptability.

A substantial preponderance of the particles preferably will have alength not exceeding two times the width, and a width not exceeding twotimes the thickness. Thin, elongated materials such as lengthy shreds ofthin paper are unsatisfactory. Preferably a substantial preponderance ofthe particles will have proportions of length, width and thickness thatdo not vary substantially from natural wood sawdust.

At least 90 weight percent of the particles, based on the total packagecontents, should have a major particle dimension which is below A". Atleast 70 weight percent of the particles, based on the total packagecontents, should have a major particle dimension which is below /8".

Fine particles such as sawdust derived from natural 9 wood or syntheticwood compositions are most useful, with fine sawdust derived fromnatural wood being preferred. It is even more preferred to further grindor otherwise powder the fine particles such as sawdust, because in suchfiner form the particles absorb the liquid fuel better, and mix moreintimately with the particles comprising carbon.

The particles will be present in the fuel package in an amount of to 75weight percent, preferably to 60 Weight percent, based on the totalcontents of the package.

PARTICLES COMPRISING CARBON The carbon in the particles comprisingcarbon may be bone charcoal, wood charcoal, charcoal obtained bysubstantially carbonizing various other types of organic matter,amorphous carbon, natural carbon such as graphite, petroleum coke, orany other type of carbon amenable to easy comminution by simplemechanical operations. Carbon in a metastable state is not preferred.

The particles comprising carbon preferably are substantially purecarbon, although any particles containing substantial amounts of carbonare operable. Especially good results have been obtained with Darcocarbon, a highly fired carbon derived from lignite, manufactured byAtlas Chemical Industries, Wilmington, Del. 19899.

At least 90 weight percent of the particles, based on the total packagecontents, should have a major particle dimension which is below A. Atleast 70 weight percent of the particles, based on the total packagecontents, should have a major particle dimension which is below As". Thebest results are obtained when a substantial proporiton of the particleshave a major particle dimension which is below 5 with particles inhighly pulverized fine powder form being most preferred. The optimumresults are obtained when the particles are fine enough to cause theparticles comprising cellulose to darken when they are mixed with theparticles comprising carbon so that the resulting blended mixture has arelatively uniform dark appearance rather than a salt-and-pepperappearance.

The particles will be present in the fuel package in an amount of 1 to15 weight percent preferably 3 to 10 weight percent based on the totalcontents of the package.

NORMALLY LIQUID FUEL The normally liquid fuel is a normally liquidhydrocarbon or a normally liquid oxygenated hydrocarbon such as alcoholketone, ester or ether. Normally liquid hydrocarbons boiling within therange 300-650 F. preferably 350-600 F. more preferably 350-500 F. arepreferred to the oxygenated hydrocarbons.

Normally liquid hydrocarbon fuels substantially comprising paraffins arepreferred. A substantial aromatic content produces undesirable resultsincluding smoky burning and excessive odor. Preferably the cycliccontent is below 15 volume percent and the aromatic content is below 10volume percent. Of the normally liquid hydrocarbon fuels substantiallycomprising paraffins those substantially comprising isoparafiins aremost preferred.

The normally liquid fuel is used in an amount of 24 to 60 weightpercent, preferably 35 to 55 weight percent, based on the total packagecontents. Smaller amounts provide substantially less than optimumiginition characteristics. Larger amounts cause excessive flame.

Especially good results have been obtained with Chevron ISO P 370, anodorless hydrocarbon liquid, manufactured by Standard Oil Company ofCalifornia, having the following specifications:

Saybolt Color +30 Specific gravity at 60 F. (6.36 #/gal. at 60 F.)0.7645 Flash point:

TCC 132 F. TOC 144 F. Aniline point 183 F. Kauri butanol value 27Toluene plus ethylbenzene, vol. percent 0 Xylene plus C aromatics, vol.percent 0 Naphthenes, vol. percent 0 Paratfins, vol. percent 97 Boilingrange, F.:

IBP 358 10 percent 366 50 percent 370 70 percent 376 90 percent 380 DryPoint 396 90% evaporation time at F., minutes 215 IMPERVIOUS COMBUSTIBLEPLASTIC ENVELOPE The impervious combustible plastic envelope serves tohold together the mixture of particles comprising cellulose andparticles comprising carbon prior to use of the fuel package, serves toprevent evaporation of the normally liquid fuel, and while the fuelpackage is burning, the unburned portion of the envelope continues tohold the particle mixture together. The envelope cannot be paper, whichwould flare up and burn too quickly if untreated, and would permitevaporation of the normally liquid fuel. The envelope cannot be anon-combustible material such as metallic foil.

The envelope must be substantially impervious to the passagetherethrough of the normally liquid fuel or vapors thereof. It must beinitially so impervious, or must be coated or otherwise treated to makeit so impervious.

Preferably the envelope is a substantially transparent plastic filmmaterial, desirably a medium-weight polymer film such as a polyolefin orpolyester.

Pervious breathable plastic materials such as are used for foodpackaging are unacceptable because they would permit evaporation of thenormally liquid fuel from the package. These materials also generallyare too light to have adequate mechanical strength, and haveunacceptable burning chracteristics.

The envelope material desirably is readily susceptible to heat sealing,although an adhesive sealed envelope also is contemplated.

Especially good results have been obtained with Scotch 20-A-5 polyesterfilm, manufactured by Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company.

PREPARATION OF FUEL PACKAGE It has been found that criticalities existin the preparation of the fuel package ingredients, in the combinationof those ingredients, and in the packaging of those ingredients.

The size ranges for the particles comprising cellulose and the particlescomprising carbon, that are given above, should be observed.Unacceptable results are obtained with particles that are too large,because impregnation of quate air space between said kindling and/orcharcoal. The fuel package then may be ignited with a match at onecorner or edge thereof. The plastic film will tend to burn first fromthe top side of the package, and the contents of the package willcontinue to burn for many minutes thereafter, providing adequate flameand burning time to cause a self-sustaining combustion of the main fuelin the barbecue pit. The plastic film on the underside of the packagewill be covered by the package contents and the burning thereofaccordingly will be delayed, enabling it such particles with the liquidfuel cannot be accomplished 10 t h M h k d b adequately, and thenecessary intimate admixture of the f t 5 pac age contents as a trayurmg ulmng two kinds of particles cannot be obtained. Optimumrefzontgms' k b sults are obtained when both kinds of particles arefinely unng i flame h bllrnmg pac age comminuted, at least to theconsistency of a coarse powsmothered otherwlse extmgmshefiflthe packageder, and preferably to the consistency of a medium or 881.5113 mre'hghted preferably first snmng or other fine powden wise agltatlng thepackage contents.

The normally liquid fuel should not be combined with If the packageusedpn the open grates of a firepiace the particles comprising carbon inthe absence of the parplefelably the packtge is placed on top ofConventional ticles comprising cellulose, because it tends to dissolvekmdhng Wood used In the fireplace the particles comprising carbon ifthose particles become EXAMPLES too wetted with the fuel.

The particles comprising cellulose may be contacted, The fOhOWingexamPles 0f tghitable fuel Packages Will in the absence of the particlescomprising carbon, with a serve to further aid a complete understandingof the pressufficient amount of normally liquid fuel to substantiallyent invention Example 3 is an example Of an ignitflble impregnate orsaturate the particles, without any superfuel Package according to thePresent inventtoh- The other natant liquid or other excess of fuel beingpresent to cause eXarnplcs are provided for purposes of comparison. theparticles to form a slurry or a wet agglomerated mass. In each of theexamples, finely Powdered ee1lu10Se"e0n- Thereafter, without use offurther amounts of liquid fuel, taming Particles cehsistihg of WoodSawdust further the impregnated or saturated particles comprisingcelluminuted into a p y form W s In h of t lose may be thoroughlyblended or mixed with the parexamples finely powdered Darcolignite-derived carticles comprising carbon. The particles comprisingcarbon take up from the particles comprising cellulose, by absorptionand/or adsorption, a portion of the liquid fuel carried by the latter.However, in this method, care must be bon, manufactured by AtlasChemical Industries, Inc., Wilmington, Del., was used. In each of theexamples the weight percentages given are based on the total contents ofthe combustible film envelope.

Example Normally liquid aromatic cleaning solvent, wt percent Kerosene,wt. percent Scotch 20 A5 Polyester Film envelope-.

Light breathable pervious plastic fihn of type used for food packagingtaken to prevent the particles comprising carbon from agglomerating.

In any case, the amount of normally liquid fuel will have been so chosenthat the resulting mixture of liquid fuel-impregnated particles, whilecontaining a high percentage of normally liquid fuel, will be relativelydry to The following comments on the results in each of the aboveexamples point up the unobviousness of the present invention, byindicating the unacceptable results obtained when the criticalcomponents of the fuel package of the invention are replaced bysubstitute materials.

Example Comment the touch, relatively free-flowing, and will not be amass 1 Didnt We, of agglomerated Particles' when the mixture these 2Didnt burn well. No significant shelf life because characteristics, itsburning characteristics will be optimum. of evaporation of normallyliquid fuel through Ideally, when the two kinds of particles have anadepervious envelopi quately small size, the particles comprisingcellulose be- 3 Exhibited excellent Storage and burning characm comedarkened by intimate contact with the particles comistim NO evaporationof normally liquid f l prising carbon, until the entire mixture assumesa reladuring storage Burned steadily with essentially tiVelY unitofmdark 01013 no visible smoke, and with no odor.

The Pamcle mixture so Prepared 15 Sealed the impel" 4 Satisfactoryburning characteristics when used im- Vious Combustible Plasticenvelope, Preferably y heat mediately. However, no significant shelflife besealing the envelope in a known manner, although adhebecause fevaporation f normally liquid f l Sive Sealing y be usedthrough perviousenvelope.

y desired q y of the Partlcle mixture 30 Prepared 5 Burned erraticallywith excessive smoke and odor. y be encased in the imperviousCombustible Plastic 6 Burned erratically with excessive smoke and odor.envelope; however: as a general guide, envelopes about No significantshelf life because of evaporation 2-3 inches long and 23 inches wide,containing /2-ounce of normally liquid fuel through pervious envelope.to 2 ounces of said mixture have been found to be most 7 Burnederratically with excessive smoke and some useful. It is desirable thatsaid mixture completely fill the odor. envelope to the extent possibleby pouring the mixture 8 Burned erratically with excessive smoke andsome into the envelope. odor. No significant shelf life because ofevaporation of normally liquid fuel through pervious USE OF THE FUELPACKAGE envelope.

9 Burned with excessive flame, with some smoke.

The fuel package may be used by being laid flat on the 10 Burned withexcessive flame, with some smoke. N0 bottom of a barbecue pit, and bybeing covered with kin significant shelf life because of evaporation ofdling and/or a main fuel such as charcoal, leaving adenormally liquidfuel through pervious envelope.

When paper envelopes were used in various additional tests,unsatisfactory results were obtained, that were similar to thoseobtained when a pervious plastic film envelope was used.

It was found in other tests that variations within the ranges prescribedherein in the proportions of celulosecontaining particles,carbon-containing particles and normally liquid fuel, used in Example 3above, did not significantly affect the excellent results obtained bythe fuel package of the present invention. On the other hand, similarvariations in the proportions of the ingredients used in the comparisonexamples above did not significantly affect the poor results obtained bythe products of those examples.

Conclusion From the foregoing it may be seen that the ignitable fuelpackage of the present invention results in a combination of advantagesthat long have been sought in a single product, including ease ofpreparation, excellent shelf life, odorless storage, cleanliness inhandling, odorless burning, clean burning, long burning with adequateflame, visibility of package contents, and economy of packaging space.

What is claimed is:

1. An ignitable fuel package comprising in combination finely dividedparticles comprising cellulose, finely divided carbon particles, atleast 90 weight percent of said carbon particles having a major particledimension below inch, a normally liquid fuel and an imperviouscombustible plastic envelope, said particles comprising cellulose andsaid carbon particles being substantially saturated with said normallyliquid fuel and being sealed in said envelope, said normally liquid fuelbeing present in an amount of 24 to 60 weight percent based on thecontents of said package and being selected from nor mally liquidhydrocarbons and normally liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons, said normallyliquid hydrocarbons substantially comprising parafiins.

2. An ignitable fuel package comprising in combination:

(a) finely divided particles comprising cellulose, in an amount of 25 to75 weight percent, based on the total contents of said package;

(b) particles substantially comprising carbon in an amount of 1 toweight percent, based on the total contents of said package;

(c) a normally liquid fuel, in an amount of 24 to 60 weight percent,based on the contents of said package selected from normally liquidhydrocarbons and normally liquid oxygenated hydrocarbons, said normallyliquid hydrocarbons substantially comprising paraffins; and

(d) an impervious combustible plastic envelope; said particlescomprising cellulose and said carbon particles being substantiallysaturated with said normally liquid fuel, relatively dry to the touch,relatively free-flowing, intimately mixed, and sealed in said envelope.

3. An ignitable fuel package comprising in combination:

(a) particles comprising cellulose,

(i) in an amount of 25 to 75 weight percent, based on the weight of thetotal contents of said package,

(ii) at least 90 weight percent of which have a major particle dimensionbelow A",

(iii) at least 70 weight percent of which have a major particledimension below /s",

(b) particles substantially comprising carbon,

(i) in an amount of 1 to 15 weight percent, based on the total contentsof said package,

(ii) at least 90 weight percent of which have a major particle dimensionbelow A",

(iii) at least 70 Weight percent of which have a major particledimension below /8",

(c) a normally liquid fuel, in an amount of 24 to 60 weight percent,based on the weight of the total contents of said package, selected fromnormally liquid hydrocarbons and normally liquid oxygenatedhydrocarbons, said normally liquid hydrocarbons substantially comprisingparafiins,

(d) an envelope substantially comprising plastic, said plastic being (i)combustible,

(ii) in the form of a thin film,

(iii) substantially impervious to passage therethrough of said normallyliquid fuel as such or in vapor form,

(iv) heat sealable;

said particles comprising cellulose, said particles comprising carbonand said normally liquid fuel 'being contained in said envelope, saidenvelope being heat sealed to prevent evaporation of said normallyliquid fuel, said normally liquid fuel being substantially taken up,that is, absorbed and/or adsorbed, by said particles comprisingcellulose and said particles comprising carbon.

4. A method for preparing an ignitable fuel package, which comprises:

(a) mixing particles comprising cellulose with parti cles substantiallycomprising carbon, said carbon particles substantially comprising carbonbeing present in an amount of 1-15 weight percent based on the totalcontents of said package,

(1)) substantially saturating the particles in the resulting mixturewith a normally liquid fuel, in an amount of 24 to 60 weight percent,based on the weight of the total contents of said package, selected fromnormally liquid hydrocarbons and normally liquid oxygenatedhydrocarbons, said normally liquid hydrocarbons substantially comprisingparafiins, and

(c) sealing said particles so mixed in an impervious combustibleenvelope.

5. A fuel package as in Claim 1, wherein said normally liquid fuel hasan aromatic content below 10 volume percent.

6. A fuel package as in Claim 1, wherein said normally liquid fuelsubstantially comprises isoparaffins.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS FOREIGN PATENTS 7/ 1967 GreatBritain 4441 CARL F. DEES, Primary Examiner

1. AN IGNITABLE FUEL PACKAGE COMPRISING IN COMBINATION FINELY DIVIDEDPARTICLES COMPRISING CELLULOSE, FINELY DIVIDED CARBON PARTICLES, ATLEAST 90 WEIGHT PERCENT OF SAID CARBON PARTICLES HAVING A MAJOR PARTICLEDIMENSION BELOW 1/4 INCH. A NORMALLY LIQUID FUEL AND AN IMPERVIOUSCOMBUSTIBLE PLASTIC ENVELOPE, SAID PARTICLES COMPRISING CELLULOSE ANDSAID CARBON PARTICLES BEING SUBSTANTIALLY SATURATED WITH SAID NORMALLYLIQUID FUEL AND BEING SEALED IN SAID ENVELOPE SAID NORMALLY LIQUID FUELBEING PRESENT IN AN AMOUNT OF 24 TO 60 WEIGHT PERCENT BASED ON THECONTENTS OF SAID PACKAGE AND BEING SELECTED FROM NORMALLY LIQUIDHYDROCARBONS AND NORMALLY LIQUID OXYGENATED HYDROCARBONS, SAID NORMALLYLIQUID HYDROCARBONS SUBSTANTIALLY COMPRISING PARAFFINS.